St. Xavier vs. Trinity - 9/28/12 - 7:30 (EDT)

The St. Xavier Tigers will face the 2-time defending state champion Shamrocks of Trinity at the University of Louisville’s Papa John’s Stadium. This game is the biggest rivalry in the state of Kentucky and one of the biggest in the nation, typically drawing a crowd of over 35,000 fans. The Shamrocks defeated the Tigers in the regular season, 41-6, and in the quarter finals of the playoffs, 42-6, on their way to repeating as Class 6A state champs. Trinity has won 3 straight in the series but St. Xavier is currently leading the tight race, 36-34-2. These teams have faced each other five times in title games, including the inaugural 6A championship game when Trinity won 34-28. Trinity holds a 3-2 advantage in these title games. The Shamrocks and Tigers have combined to win 11 state championships since 2000 and have won the last 3 6A titles.

The Trinity Shamrocks football program is one of the most successful programs in Kentucky. Their 21 state championships are tied for the most in KHSAA history. In 2011, they were named “National Champions” by numerous media polls including Rivals.com and Sports Illustrated. The Shamrocks have won 9 titles under current Head Coach Bob Beatty and they are looking poised to add to that mark and win their 3rd straight in 2012. The 2012 Shamrock squad will feature loads of highly touted recruits including 4 of the top-10 recruits in Kentucky. Senior quarterback Travis Wright (#9 in the state) leads the Shamrock offense as the #19 ranked dual-threat quarterback in the nation (Rivals.com). James Quick will give the offense a big play threat at wide receiver. Quick is ranked as the #2 player in the state and is the #21 wide receiver in the nation. Jason Hatcher will anchor the Shamrock defense at defensive end. Hatcher is the #8 defensive end in the nation and is signed to play in college at the University of Southern California. Ryan White will be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks in the secondary. White is the #32 cornerback in the nation and has committed to play at Vanderbilt University. The Shamrocks are currently riding a 30-game winning streak.

The St. Xavier Tigers finished with an 8-5 overall record in 2011. The big question going into Head Coach Mike Glaser’s final season is will the Tigers be able to beat Trinity in the postseason. The Tigers have faced the Shamrocks in the postseason the last five years, losing in the quarterfinals the past 2 seasons and winning the state finals in 2009. The state championship in 2009 was the 12th title in the rich history of the Tigers. Senior quarterback Austin Gahafer will command the Tiger offense. The backfield will consist of juniors Treyveon Percell and Charles Walker who will split carries in the running game. Senior defensive end Karl Roesler will anchor the defensive line for the Tigers, while fellow senior Deonte Clyburn will be patrolling the field at linebacker. St. Xavier will enter the game as the #2 team in Class 6A and will try to upend Trinity for the top spot in the class.

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